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    Robben Island’s annual mass Valentine’s Day wedding will not go ahead as planned in 2021 and has officially been cancelled. This comes after the Department of Home Affairs temporarily suspended the issuing of marriage certificates under Level 3 lockdown in South Africa.

    “Following the recent announcement by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on the temporary suspension of applications for IDs, passports and marriage services due to the increasing numbers of Department of Home Affairs (DHA) staff testing positive for COVID-19, the annual historic Robben Island Valentine’s Day weddings are unfortunately cancelled for 2021,” reads a statement from the Museum.

    “This year would have marked 21 years of celebrating love on the island. Last year, 19 couples tied the knot with a historic milestone of Mr Frankford Williams and Cindi Mullins, who are visually impaired, officially being the first couple in South African to receive their marriage certificate in braille.”

    To date, 327 couples have tied the knot on Robben Island. The first marriage ceremony was held on December 31, 2000 as part of the Millennium Celebrations, and was moved to Valentine’s Day in 2001.

    Both the museum and the DHA will continue to engage on the possibility of hosting the weddings at a later stage, should conditions allow with the easing of COVID-19 regulations.

    Picture: Facebook / Robben Island Museum

    Symbolic of nature, green is often considered to represent tranquility and health. Of course, we cannot forget that it’s also a lucky colour.

    Incorporating this hue into your wedding day decor is super easy and beautiful. We’re not talking about just locking down a plant and calling it a day. Be different and find fabrics and items in the various green shades like mint, emerald, seafoam, and jade.

    Green pairs beautifully with gold for a more luxurious and rich finish. However, you can tone it down with white for a more classic look. Those wanting a unique finish should opt for various shades of green mixed together. Don’t forget to add tons of texture for dimension.

    Here are some stunning tablescapes we are inspired by:

     

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    Picture: Pexels

    When it comes to weddings, the groom is often relegated to honeymoon duty. But there’s so much more your beau can take charge of – and he may even enjoy it.

    If you’re struggling to encourage your partner to take an active role in wedding planning, the best thing to do is to start small. Here are ways to get them talking.

    The food

    We all know the saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, so what better way to get him into wedding prep than by roping him in when it comes to your reception menu. Whether you’re having a totally over-the-top do or a rustic country affair, he’s sure to have dishes in mind that he’d love to sink his teeth into on the day.

    The bar

    Cocktails may be your cuppa, but a pint or two may be more to your male guests’ liking. This is exactly why you should have your significant other organise the bar. He’ll add drinks that he knows you love (hello, basil and cranberry mojito!), as well as ensure there are plenty of craft beers and single malts for the boys.

    The suits

    Your beau will want to make sure you have your dream wedding day, so tell him exactly what you are planning for your and your bridesmaids’ dresses, and ask him to coordinate his groomsmen accordingly. You’d be surprised how stylish he can be when left to his own devices.

    The gift registry

    Many couples who’ve been living together may not need – or want – gifts for their home, but whether or not you do, it’s important to allow your guests the option of getting you something. Decide what types of gifts you’d like together, then have your beau register and select them or set up a honeymoon fund where guests can deposit monetary gifts.

    The vows

    If you plan to write your own wedding vows, present your fiancé with mementos that will remind him of your relationship. This will help spark some memories that could kick-start the process for writing his own vows.

    The music

    A DJ or band might be the last thing on your mind right now, but your man will be counting on some tunes he won’t need to waltz to. Make sure he knows the type of atmosphere you envision for your reception, then let him have at it and be surprised when the DJ hits play.

    The ring

    The ring is perhaps the most important item on this list as it is a symbol of your love for each other. You might have given him the inspiration for what you’d like, but it’s his duty to hunt down the perfect one and take care of logistics and safekeeping before he finally slides it on to your finger.

    Picture: Pexels

    One year down, forever to go. That’s the motto for former professional footballer Tim Tebow and former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Tebow, née Nel-Peters. The pair recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary and wrote sweet messages of dedication to one another in honour of the occasion.

    Taking to Instagram, Tim shared a sweet video from their special day.

    “A year ago today, this is the moment my life changed forever. After years of prayer, God gave me you @DemiTebow. I’m so grateful you’re in my life, that you chose me, and that we get this lifetime alongside eachother. I love you so much Demi, and as I did the day we got married, I promise I’ll do my best to uphold 1 Corinthians 13:7– “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Happy anniversary baby,” he wrote on Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Tim Tebow (@timtebow)

    Demi-Leigh followed up with her own special video, capturing moments from their first year of marriage.

    @timtebow I can’t give you anything better than what we have. I wish we could relive our wedding day over and over again because it was the best day of my life. Here’s my best shot at putting the last 366 (leap year) days into 3min and going back in time to reliving how this union started,” she captioned the video.

     

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    A post shared by Demi-Leigh Tebow (@demitebow)

    The pair met through an event Tebow was hosting for his non-profit, the Tim Tebow Foundation.

    “Her sister has special needs, so we invited them to Night to Shine in South Africa,” Tebow said during an interview with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. “We kind of met and started talking through that and haven’t stopped.”

    Their relationship moved pretty quickly, and they confirmed their relationship in July 2018.

    In January 2019 after less than a year of dating, Tim popped the question with an elaborate and sentimental proposal. Tebow had flown family members from across America and South Africa to Jacksonville, Florida to be part of the proposal. Demi-Leigh was told they were attending a late Tebow family Christmas dinner at their family farm and was surprised when it ended in a proposal.

    Tebow also flew Demi-Leigh’s favourite South African performer Matthew Mole to Florida to serenade them post-proposal.

    They came to Demi-Leigh’s home country, South Africa, to tie the knot in late January. Their pre-wedding festivities kicked off with a ‘Welcome to Africa’ cocktail dinner in the Cape winelands to introduce Tebow to South African culture. The bride wore a stunning white dress by Gert Johan-Coetzee featuring a criss-cross neckline and cut-out detail, while Tebow wore a blush-toned suit.

    The following day, the couple held a stunning rehearsal dinner. They went for a sophisticated colour scheme, opting for rich purples, reds and black. Demi-Leigh stunned in a strapless wine-coloured dress with beading by Anel Botha. The couple’s weekend events are all planned by celebrity planner Zavion Khotze.

    The pair got married at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on January 20, 2020. South African celebrity wedding planner Zavion Khotze organised the day. The former Miss Universe wore an off-the-shoulder cowl-neck dress by Davids Bridal and Tim wore a tuxedo by Antar Levar.

     

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    A post shared by Demi-Leigh Tebow (@demitebow)

    Picture: Instagram / Demi Tebow

    Times have changed drastically. In the past, getting a wedding gift was so much more than honouring the wedding couple. It was providing them with the essentials to begin their new life.

    Crockery, bedding, décor are some of the items that couples really needed. Of course, back then, couples only moved in together after they were married. Today more and more couples live together for years before getting married. All those essential items that appear on the gift registry become redundant because the couple already owns it.

    That’s not to say, however, they do not need help building their new life. The nature of what they need has changed. Policies, investments, a college fund for any future children: in other words they need money.

    As a guest, this leaves you with a big question. Should you buy a wedding gift or give cold hard cash? In most cases the choice is easy. Couples are very straightforward with what they want. They either have a gift registry or state that they’d prefer money.

    If these are not stated, or you are confused about what to get or how much to give, hopefully, these tips will help you decide.

    Buying a gift 

    The most important thing when deciding on a gift is to ensure that is something the couple would like. Take their tastes into account, rather than your own. If you have to get traditional wedding gifts in the bed, bath and beyond category, opt for something different and quirky. If you are especially close to the couple, something personal or handmade could be a great hit, particularly if the couple has all their household items sorted. This will ensure that your gift is unique and memorable.

    Budgeting for a gift is important. You don’t want to get something too cheap, but you do not want to break the bank either. Grouping together with friends and family is a good way to get something exceptional and within your budget. If you are invited to various events for the wedding that require gifts, divide your budget for each event. Style Caster recommends using 20% of your budget for an engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower and 60% for the wedding.

    Giving Money 

    It’s always tricky when dealing with money. You may be uncertain on how much money you should give, or whether it would have been cheaper to simply get a gift. As a general rule, the closer you are to the wedding couple the more you should give. Always work with your budget and give as much as you can afford. The couple should be gracious enough to accept your contribution no matter how big or small it is.

    Like with pricey wedding gifts, it’s okay to pool money together to give to the couple. Co-workers, family members, and friends can go in together to give a substantial amount. Consider the expenses of the wedding. If you have already given gifts for other events leading up to the wedding or spent money getting to a destination wedding, you can give a little less money.

    Whether you are buying a gift or giving cash, the most important thing to remember is timing. Do not wait too long before giving your gift!

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    A day out in nature and a night under the stars, what could be better? For camping enthusiasts, this return to nature is the perfect way to spend the day.

    If you’re more of the laid-back, rustic type, you don’t need to have a fancy wedding. Instead, tailor your big day to your taste and do what you love. Camping is fun and nostalgic, and can easily be glamorised.

    Host your wedding reception in a massive teepee in the great outdoors. Add some flair with a few fairy lights and candles to set the mood. What is great about this theme is that it works well for both intimate and larger gatherings, you just need to scale up the size of your tent.

    Here are a few fun setups to inspire your own:

     

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    On your wedding day, everything is a big deal – including the shoes hiding beneath your gorgeous gown. Don’t sigh with relief after the arduous dress-choosing task is complete, you still have your feet to think about. Ahead lies a world of options…

    There are a number of factors to consider before choosing your shoe, here are our key things to keep in mind:

    Comfort:

    You’re gonna wear these shoes all day, so make sure they’re actually comfortable. And by this, we mean you’re able to walk in them and stand for hours at a time without feeling like your toes are screaming for help. If you’re not used to wearing stilettos, a block heel is perfect to complete the look without the pressure on your heel.

    Location and weather:

    Having a beach wedding? Stilletto heels may sink into the sand. On the other hand, sneakers maybe a touch too informal for a grand ballroom. It’s important to keep your wedding venue in mind when picking your shoes, as it will go hand in hand with making sure you’re comfortable. Don’t neglect to consider the weather, as you don’t want your toes to freeze off in open shoes during your winter wedding.

    Your dress:

    The length and cut of your dress will greatly determine the style of your shoe and how visible you want it to be. A tea-length or short gown means your feet will be on display, so you have the option of going for a fun heel. Alternatively, a floor-sweeping gown will cover your feet, so the style of shoe is not as important. Make sure to take your shoes with you when going for a dress fitting to avoid a hemline that is too short.

    Price:

    Arguably one of the most important factors is sticking to your budget. You don’t want to break the bank on a shoe you might not wear again, so remember to set some boundaries before you go shoe shopping.

    Picture: Pexels

    Choosing to change your surname after marriage is a personal choice every person must make for themselves. When making this decision, remember that it is not as easy as 1, 2, 3, but can be a long and rather tedious process.

    If you do decide to change your surname, you will legally be required to update all the necessary paperwork to reflect your new name.

    Legally, any woman wanting to take their spouse’s surname, revert to their maiden name or prior name, or join two surnames into a double-barrelled name may do so. However, because current South African law focuses on women changing their surnames, the process for men who decide to take their partner’s surname is much harder, and requires special authorisation from The Department of Home Affairs.

    The first step in legally changing your surname is applying for a new identity document. You can easily apply to have your ID re-issued if you are married and want to assume the surname of your spouse. You can apply for a replacement by:

    – Completing Form BI-9 as well if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints

    – Attaching additional documents as required (e.g. a marriage certificate if you are married)

    – Paying the required fee for the re-issue

    It is not essential to change your driver’s licence and passport to reflect your new surname until they expire, but in this case, you will be required to carry a certified copy of your marriage certificate in case anything happens.

    Remember to also inform SARS of your surname change to update your tax details. In line with this, inform your employer of your new surname change so that they may update your pension and insurance companies.

    Another crucial step is to notify your chosen bank to ensure you can still use all of your bank cards. You will need a copy of your ID and a copy of your marriage certificate for this.

    Picture: Pexels

    An Eastern Cape woman has been found guilty of recruiting local women to marry foreign nationals and issuing fake marriage certificates.

    Nomabandla Manjezi (47) appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday, January 20 and was found guilty on four counts of corruption and two counts of fraud. The matter was postponed to February 18, 2021, for sentencing.

    Manjezi, along with another person named Abu Bokar (46), was arrested in 2017 following a tip-off received by immigration officers about the arranged fraudulent marriage certificates between South African women and foreign nationals.

    Their operations were accosted during a waylay investigation in March 2017, resulting in them being charged for fraud and corruption.

    Their premises, which included a cell phone shop in North End and a house in New Brighton was searched. Documents linked to their criminal operations were found in a container at the New Brighton premises and were seized for further investigation.

    An investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team revealed that the duo recruited young women from New Brighton, Kwazakele and Zwide, then paid them between R200 and R300 each to marry Bangladeshi nationals, whilst other local women were unaware that they were married to foreign nationals.

    Bokar appeared in the same court on August 14, 2018 and he pleaded guilty on two counts of fraud. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

    Picture: Pexels

    They say music can convey emotions we struggle to voice ourselves. If this is the case, your choice of song on your wedding day is crucial.

    At some point in the evening, you’ll probably want to have a special slow dance with your new spouse. Hold them close and sway away to one of these romantic songs.

    Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

    Make You Feel My Love – Adele

    Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

    Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

    Comfortable – H.E.R

    At Last – Etta James

    All My Life – K-Ci and JoJo

    You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

    Perfect – Ed Sheeran

    The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennet

    Your Song – Elton John

    Best Part – Daniel Caesar

    Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

    Butterflies – Casey Musgraves

    A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

    Speechless – Dan + Shay

    Picture: Pexels